The transfer of Kouadio “Manu” Koné has been completed at the last minute. The midfielder is moving from Borussia Mönchengladbach to AS Roma. Only a few clubs have made more money
Medical check passed, contract signed – the transfer of Kouadio “Manu” Koné to AS Roma is complete. Both clubs announced the official agreement late on Friday evening. The midfielder signed a long-term contract with the Italians, although Roma did not disclose the exact term. According to Roma, it is a loan agreement with a binding purchase option, meaning that it is not a loan with an obligation to buy, but a direct purchase.
According to reports, the transfer fee amounts to 20 million euros. The sum may even increase slightly in the coming years through additional payments. This makes Koné one of the most expensive sales in Borussia’s history, although Koné’s former club FC Toulouse will also participate in the transfer fee via a resale participation. A look at the history shows: Only three players flushed more money into Gladbach’s coffers.
Record sale is Granit Xhaka, who went to Arsenal FC for 43 million euros in 2016. Thorgan Hazard was worth €25.5 million to Borussia Dortmund in 2019. And in third place is a defender: the foals paid a total of €23 million for Jannik Vestergaard in 2018, with the Dane going to Southampton FC
Milan were also in the running
The 23-year-old Koné, who was called up to the French national team squad for the first time on Thursday, had already approached Borussia some time ago with a transfer request. AC Milan also showed a strong interest, but in the end it was the Romans, participants in this season’s Europa League, who won the race.
“Manu Koné has shown what an outstanding player he is, not only with us but also recently at the Olympic Games,” said Borussia’s sporting director Roland Virkus. And even if we are naturally reluctant to lose such quality, this transfer is emblematic of our path.” Koné was signed from Toulouse for nine million euros in January 2021. The midfielder played 86 competitive matches for Gladbach and scored six goals
“My journey at Borussia, which has taken me all the way to the French national team, is now over,” said Koné. “I’ve spent three great and instructive years at this club and would like to thank my teammates, the management and the fans for this time,” the 23-year-old continued.
Prior to Koné’s departure, Borussia had put a stop to a move for Ko Itakura. The improved offer from PSV Eindhoven for the Japanese player was also rejected, meaning that four central defenders (Itakura, Nico Elvedi, Fabio Chiarodia, Marvin Friedrich) are still available for the two positions in the center of defence. An additional defender, as originally envisaged, will not be coming to Gladbach.
Chiarodia is expected to be able to play himself even more to the fore
The foals were interested in the versatile central defender Kevin Diks (27) from FC Copenhagen, but the Danes did not want to give up the Dutchman under any circumstances and have put a stop to a possible transfer. Bochum’s Bernardo, for a long time the hottest candidate, has been suffering from a knee injury for some time. The formula in central defense is therefore still “4 for 2” and gives a talented 19-year-old like Chiarodia the chance to play his way to the fore – which Borussia believe he can do. The German-Italian’s positive development will also have played its part in Borussia-Park sticking with the current constellation
